Explore what's around you

...and what's not around you!

I did that on Saturday. I went to Liberty Park up in Salt Lake City. I grew up in Salt Lake my whole life and had never been there. I went with a friend to an African festival, which was so cool!

First of all, Liberty Park is Utah's oldest and one of it's largest city parks. It was created shortly after the pioneers settled the Salt Lake Valley. It's this gorgeous area in the middle of downtown Salt Lake where people can relax, play, and explore. There are several playgrounds, sand volleyball pits, a small lake, tons of trees, Tracy Aviary (a bird refugee), tennis courts, and even a Museum of Folk Arts.


I would have NEVER known that this was here unless I got out and explored more of where I live. I frankly would want to go to it all of the time if I had the chance to. You can find so many amazing things about where you live if you just GET OUT and DO something!


This brings me to my other thought. I have always loved finding out things about other places and other cultures. I want to travel to so many different places. I felt like I got to "travel" to a different place with the African festival held by the United Africans of Utah.

 There were African people from all different countries of Africa there selling their beautiful clothing, art, bags, and food. It was incredible to see the variety of things their culture does differently than what I am used to as an American. It was fun to see so much diversity in the people around me, as well as the dancing, singing, and overall atmosphere.

 I just love learning about new people and new things, and even about things that I never knew were around me, like Liberty Park. I went in and saw the Museum of Folk Arts and love how we can take time to appreciate different cultures and different ancestors.

 I have found a new appreciation for the place where I live, as well as for the places I have never lived and will hopefully one day travel there. I decided one of my new goals is to explore somewhere by me once a month. We'll see how that goes!

 
For now, enjoy where you live and explore it! Get outside and see something new! Then make plans to do something to learn about other people. There are so many things going on in the world. I know that I often get wrapped up in myself and my problems that I know there are a lot larger things going on in the world.

Until next time, take time to enjoy life and explore.


Pictures
Top: Liberty Park trees
Second: some of vendor tents at festival
Third: African style chicken, rice cakes, and tomato stew
Bottom: Group of African dancers and drummers

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